May Day: Police disrupt protest against labour institute DG in Kwara

Policemen on duty

A mild drama on Thursday unfolded at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin venue of the Labour Day celebration as police operatives attempted to stop a protest march by the aggrieved staff of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).

The protesting workers, clad in red T-shirts bearing the institute’s logo, carried placards accusing the Director General, Issa Aremu, a former National Vice president of the Nigeria Labour Congress of alleged mismanagement, insensitivity, and abuse of office.

Eyewitnesses said that the police intercepted the protesters as they approached the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the stadium, blocking their path and preventing them from accessing the main seating area.

The officers reportedly claimed the protest could disrupt the Workers’ Day proceedings.

Unwilling to back down, the workers stood their ground, arguing that the celebration was meant to amplify workers’ voices.

The standoff was eventually diffused when Ganiyu Balogun, Vice Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Kwara State chapter, intervened.

Balogun appealed to the police to let the protesters into the venue and promised the aggrieved staff that they would be allowed to display their grievances during the ceremonial march-past.

The protesters accuse Aremu, a veteran labour activist, of a litany of infractions. According to them, staff development has ground to a halt under his leadership, with no meaningful training or capacity-building initiatives.

They also alleged that institute vehicles and funds are being diverted for personal and family use, including overseas trips.

Further accusations include maintaining a lavish lifestyle, complete with convoys and escorts, despite the institute’s deteriorating infrastructure.